Before you try to replace Windows 8 with Windows 7, you might want to try updating to Windows 8.1. Once updated, you can log on to the desktop directly. If you bypass the Start screen, you may find that the Windows desktop in Windows 8.1 is so much like Windows 7 that you won't feel the need to switch to Windows 7.
To update from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, follow the instructions in this document: Updating Windows 8 to 8.1
You can log on directly to the desktop by following these steps:
- In Windows 8.1, from the Start screen, type Taskbar and Navigation, and then select Taskbar and Navigation from the list of options that opens under the search field.
- Click the Navigation tab on the Taskbar and Navigation screen.
- Under Start screen on the Navigation tab, click the check box next to When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start, and then click OK
The next time you log in, you will go directly to the desktop.
There is no Start button in Windows 8.1, but you can get to all of the features you want by either right-clicking the Windows logo in the far-right area of the taskbar, or doing an "Everywhere" search.
Right-clicking the Windows logo in the far-right area of the taskbar will open a menu of options that includes popular features such as Control Panel, Programs and Features, and more. If you don't see what you want there, press the Windows logo key on your keyboard while pressing the Q key. This will open an Everywhere search field, where you can type anything you want to search for.
There's also a HP app called Getting Started with Windows 8 that comes preinstalled on HP Windows 8 computers. Click the tile on the Start screen to see videos, read tutorials, and more. If Getting Started with Windows 8 is not on your Start screen, click the Windows Store tile on the Start screen, and type Getting Started with Windows 8 into the search field. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the app on your computer.
I hope you'll consider giving Windows 8.1 a chance.